Gardening Articles: Flowers :: Perennials

Rose Hips May Ease Rheumatoid Arthritis

by Charlie Nardozzi

Roses have been known for years to be not only beautiful but edible and medicinal as well. The rose hip, in particular, can be used in applesauce, soup, stew, marmalade, bread, pie, jam, and jelly. The rose hips are high in vitamin C and can be made into a tea to treat a variety of ailments such as colds and osteoarthritis. Now researchers in Germany and Denmark claim that rose hips may also help combat the more debilitating rheumatoid arthritis.

German researchers worked with 74 people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. One-half of the group received daily doses of a rose hip powder, while the other half received a placebo. After six months, 40 percent of the treatment group reported less pain and 20 to 25 percent reported more mobility when compared to the control group. Both groups continued to take their regular medications during the study. Researchers believe rose hips are loaded with specific fatty acids that are highly anti-inflammatory and loaded with antioxidants.